The 27-year-old, best known for her seven-year role in the soap as Theresa McQueen, arrived at Brisbane Airport on Sunday morning.

"Why did I sign up for the jungle? I like challenges. I like doing the unexpected," she told Digital Spy. "I try not to do what everyone else is doing... I'm really excited, but I'm scared of spiders."

Porter is leaving the Channel 4 programme for a career in Hollywood. Her final scene will be broadcast in 2016.

The blonde actress appeared in ITV's celebrity skating series Dancing On Ice in 2012 and 2014. Recently, she took part in Channel 4's Celebrity First Dates and met a personal trainer named Craig.

Soon-to-depart Porter is thought to be replacing former Hollyoaks star Stephanie Davis who pulled out of the popular show because it would be "unsafe" for her to take part.

In a post on her Twitter page, the 22-year-old revealed she had signed up to appear, but a "severe nut allergy" put an end to the plan.

Former England footballer Kieron Dyer has also landed in Australia ahead of the show which starts next Sunday.